BRICS Labour and Employment Ministers Meeting 2022 July 14, hosted by China (virtual)

The Eighth BRICS Labour and Employment Ministers’ Meeting was conducted virtually on July 14, 2022, under the presidency of China. The meeting was chaired by Mr. Zhou Zuyi, Minister of Human Resources and Social Security of China. It saw the participation of labor and employment ministers from Brazil, Russia, India, and South Africa, along with representatives from the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the International Social Security Association (ISSA).

Key Themes and Discussions

1. Promoting Green Jobs for Sustainable Development

The ministers discussed the importance of green jobs in achieving sustainable development goals. Green jobs are defined as positions that contribute to preserving or restoring the environment. This includes jobs that help to protect ecosystems and biodiversity, reduce energy consumption, decarbonize the economy, and minimize waste and pollution.
  • China’s Initiatives: China shared its strategies and achievements in promoting green jobs, emphasizing the role of policy support, technological innovation, and public awareness in driving this agenda.
  • Global Perspective: The discussion highlighted the need for BRICS countries to collaborate on creating job opportunities that align with environmental sustainability, thus contributing to global efforts to combat climate change.

2. Developing Skills for a Resilient Recovery

The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the need for resilient economies and labor markets. The ministers focused on the role of vocational skills training in supporting economic recovery and preparing the workforce for future challenges.
  • Skills Training: Emphasis was placed on the importance of equipping workers with relevant skills to adapt to new forms of employment, particularly in the digital and green economies.
  • Resilience Building: The discussion included strategies for building resilient labor markets that can withstand economic shocks and support sustainable growth.

3. Protecting Workers’ Rights in New Forms of Employment

The rise of the gig economy and other non-traditional forms of employment has brought new challenges for labor rights. The ministers adopted the BRICS Guidance on Protecting Workers’ Rights in New Forms of Employment, which aims to safeguard workers’ rights in these emerging sectors.
  • Research Findings: The BRICS Network of Labour Research Institutes presented their findings on protecting workers’ rights in new forms of employment, providing a foundation for the adopted guidance.
  • Policy Measures: The guidance outlines policy measures to ensure fair wages, social protection, and safe working conditions for workers in the gig economy and other non-traditional employment sectors.

Outcome Documents

Declaration of the Eighth BRICS Labour and Employment Ministers’ Meeting

The declaration encapsulates the commitments and resolutions agreed upon by the ministers. It reaffirms the BRICS countries’ dedication to fostering inclusive and sustainable economic growth, protecting labor rights, and promoting decent work for all.

BRICS Guidance on Protecting Workers’ Rights in New Forms of Employment

This document provides comprehensive guidelines for safeguarding labor rights in emerging employment sectors. It addresses issues such as fair wages, social protection, occupational safety, and health, ensuring that workers in non-traditional employment forms are adequately protected.

Suggestions for Enhancing BRICS Cooperation

Minister Zhou Zuyi proposed three key suggestions to strengthen BRICS cooperation in labor and employment:
  1. Upholding Solidarity and Cooperation: Building a community of shared future for the world of work by enhancing solidarity and cooperation among BRICS nations.
  2. Putting People First: Prioritizing a human-centered recovery that focuses on improving the well-being and livelihoods of workers.
  3. Promoting Innovations: Encouraging innovation to create a better future of work, including the adoption of new technologies and practices that enhance productivity and job quality.

Participants

The meeting featured prominent participants, including:
  • Brazil: Mr. José Carlos Oliveira, Minister of Labour and Social Security.
  • Russia: Mrs. Olga Batalina, First Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Protection.
  • India: Mr. Bhupender Yadav, Minister of Labour and Employment.
  • South Africa: Ms. Boitumelo Moloi, Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour.
  • International Labour Organization (ILO): Mr. Guy Ryder, Director General.
  • International Social Security Association (ISSA): Mr. Joachim Breuer, President.
The Eighth BRICS Labour and Employment Ministers’ Meeting underscored the importance of cooperation among BRICS countries in addressing common labor and employment challenges. The discussions and outcome documents reflect a shared commitment to promoting sustainable development, protecting workers’ rights, and fostering inclusive economic growth. The meeting also highlighted the need for continued innovation and collaboration to build resilient and future-ready labor markets.
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